Least Competitive Competitor Ever Lets Guy Beat Him Because He Took A Wrong Turn

TORONTO — A Spanish athlete is drawing praise online after he gave up his win in the 2020 Santander Triathlon to his competitor who took a wrong turn towards the end of the race. Diego Mentrida allowed Britain’s James Teagle to finish ahead of him despite Teagle making a wrong turn less than 100-meters from the finish line. Mentrida had been behind Teagle for the duration of the race but overtook him after Teagle mistakenly ran towards spectators in a fenced area. The 21-year-old noticed his opponent’s mistake, slowed his pace and eventually stopped to allow Teagle to cross the finish line before him and claim third place.

Speaking after the race, Mentrida told Eurosport that his rival “deserved” a place on the podium as he was ahead for most of the race. “When I saw that he had missed the route, I just stopped. James deserved this medal. He didn’t notice the signs” Mentrida said.

The race winner Javier Gomez Noya described Mentrida’s gesture as “the best in history” while Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian San Miguel said on Twitter that it demonstrated “the real values of sport.”

Race organizers awarded Mentidra an honorary third place on Friday and gave him the same $469 prize winnings as Teagle, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

Come on, Diego Mentrida. You were right behind the guy. And nobody else in the race took a wrong turn and ran into barricade. Isn’t knowing directions a part of the race? Good God man. Michael Jordan would have stormed past James Teagle with my arms raised whilst laughing maniacally. Seriously, there is no competitive athlete I’ve ever coached who wouldn’t have kept running.

Hollow 3rd place showing, Jamee Teagle. Hollow indeed.

PS- Giving Diego Mentrida an “honorary” 3rd place trophy is the most millenial thing ever.

PPS- Teague should have never accepted the gesture. Weak move.